Research

Adherence

Mobile phone interventions, specifically text messaging and smartphone applications, are effective tools for promoting weight reduction and increasing physical activity, with the majority of studies showing statistically significant improvements in weight, BMI, or waist circumference.

Use a mobile phone intervention to help with weight loss or physical activity. This can be as simple as sending text messages (SMS) or using a smartphone app to track calories and exercise. The most effective interventions often combine the technology with some form of education or support (like weigh-ins or group meetings). Most users find these tools acceptable and helpful.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
More than half of the studies (71%) reported statistically significant results in at least 1 outcome of weight loss, physical activity, dietary intake, decreased body mass index, decreased waist circumference, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, screen time, and satisfaction or acceptability outcomes.
Janna Stephens et al. · The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing · 2013

Why this rating

Based on a systematic review of 7 studies (RCTs and quasi-experimental), showing consistent but varied results.

Source

Mobile Phone Interventions to Increase Physical Activity and Reduce Weight

Janna Stephens et al. · The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing · 2013

DOI 10.1097/jcn.0b013e318250a3e7

systematic_reviewCited 396×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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